SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6095

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1994

Brief Description:  Revising provisions relating to international trade through Washington ports.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, Anderson, Spanel, Bluechel, M. Rasmussen and Erwin

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Jack Brummel (786‑7428)

Hearing Dates: January 20, 1994

BACKGROUND:

The Washington Public Ports Association was authorized in 1989 to establish a federation of Washington ports.  The federation was authorized to operate as an export trading company, provide export assistance, and assist in marketing the state's trade, tourism, and travel resources.  The association is required to report to the Governor and the Legislature on the establishment of the federation.  The federation is scheduled to sunset on June 30, 1994.

The Legislature authorized the smaller port districts in the state to form export trading companies in 1986 to provide greater access to export services.  Currently, two export trading companies have been formed.  The authorization for export trading companies terminates on June 30, 1994.

SUMMARY:

The federation of Washington ports is continued and the reporting requirement pertaining to the establishment of the federation is removed.

The statutory termination of the authority of port districts to establish export trading companies is repealed.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The Ports Association would like to continue the authority given to ports under both programs.  The continuation of export trading companies in smaller ports is not objectionable.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Scott Taylor, Washington Public Ports Association; Randy Ray, Puget Sound Steamship Operators Association